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September 12, 2008

New LGBT High School Proposed in Chicago

A new high school for LGBT students has been proposed in Chicago, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The project is not likely to get under way before 2012, and it faces significant opposition from a variety of groups across the political spectrum.

Social conservatives object to the idea of using public funds for the Social Justice High School-Pride Campus and say that the school would force school administrators to take a moral stance on homosexuality. To the left, some LGBT advocates say separating gay kids from their straight peers could be harmful and hinder the progress of understanding.

“If we’re going to set up a separate school, let’s put the bullies in the school and not our gays kids,” said Rick Garcia, public policy director of Equality Illinois, told the Journal Constitution. “Kids should be able to go to school in a safe environment wherever they are.”

Proponents of the new campus say it would welcome all students while putting special emphasis on fostering a safe space for students who might be targeted in other schools based on their sexual orientation. A public hearing to debate the idea will be held on Sept. 18. The proposal needs approval by Chicago Public Schools Chief Arne Duncan before it is sent to the school board for review. The City of New York opened a similar school for LGBT students in 2003, an experiment that has met with mixed reviews. (The Advocate)

Reader Comments

These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

  • Name: Lily
    Date posted: 2008-09-13 7:03 PM
    Hometown: Akron

    Comment:

    In my oppinion, this is a terrible idea. To do something like this is just going to further isolate these kids. Plus they won't know how to cope in the real world. One of the most important things I learned in high school was how to deal with intolerace.


  • Name: Jim Otlowski
    Date posted: 2008-09-12 2:32 PM
    Hometown: Cleveland, OH

    Comment:

    I agree with the idea that bullies be placed in "special schools". That will benefit the widest possible segments of both the gay and straight communities.


  • Name: Anton
    Date posted: 2008-09-11 4:17 PM
    Hometown: Asheville, NC

    Comment:

    Though it is well-meaning, I think this is a terrible idea that smacks of Jim Crowisms. I hate to sound like a diversity training seminar, but having positive interactions with individuals different from us is the only way society is ever going to achieve the level of empathy necessary for peaceful co-existence. No, the interactions will not always be positive, but I think we can already see progress with each succesive generation that comes of age. And as for the negative interactions, they may function as a reality check that energizes young people's drive to get involved and mobilize for equality.


  • Name: Todd Smith
    Date posted: 2008-09-11 2:56 PM
    Hometown: Edmonton, AB

    Comment:

    This idea is good in many respects; however, I feel it is important for GLBTQ youth to learn the skills they need to confront and deal with homophobia in every aspect of their lives. Segregating them from the rest of society does provide a sense of security, yet at the same time it doesn't provide the prior mentioned skills. If the school were to include in some way a means of teaching the youth about gender, sexuality and other issues present in society and how to deal with them, it would be great. The issue then is, how can this be done?


  • Name: Scott
    Date posted: 2008-09-11 2:06 PM
    Hometown: Tallahassee

    Comment:

    I don't like the idea of this school. I came out a couple years ago while I was in high school and though it wasn't the best experience I've ever had it was certainly an experience which taught me some things and I'm certainly better for it.


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